Panel wiring system

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a hard wired, free standing movable room divider panel system in which wiring is provided for two separate circuits, one of which is especially adapted for connecting to panel mounted lighting through an internal quick disconnect connector. This is referred to as the lighting circuit. The second circuit is adapted only for mounting conventional outlet receptacles via quick disconnect connectors. The wiring terminates in connectors which provide terminals for connecting into the lighting circuit, terminals for connecting into the power circuit and terminals for connecting into both circuits which facilitate electrically connecting adjacent panels through a panel power connector. In one embodiment of the invention, conventional outlets receptacles can optionally be connected to the lighting circuit as well. However, the two types of conventional outlets cannot be inadvertently connected to the wrong circuit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending applicationSer. No. 909,975, filed May 26, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,639, andentitled "Panel Wiring System."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to free standing, movable panel systemswhich are hard wired with electrical wiring. Hard wired systems includeenclosed electrical wiring which is usually prewired into the panels atthe factory or field installed with prewired modules. This isdistinguished from merely providing a wiring way into which electricalcords or "casual wiring" can be laid. Hard wiring is encased in someform of conduit or enclosure so as to be inaccessible to the user atleast without the use of tools.

This distinction is important in complying with local electrical codes.Codes typically prevent one from running casual wiring from panel topanel. Thus, in offices without hard wired panels, the advance planningmust be very carefully done so that an electrical power tombstone can belocated in each work area which is to be enclosed by the panels. Thedesign of an office system around such panels becomes quite difficult.

Prior art hard wired panel systems have the wiring enclosed in a wiringway at the base of the panel. At least one electrical outlet or plugreceptacle is usually located along each wiring way. This allows one toplug in office equipment and lighting fixtures which are typicallymounted on the panel.

One problem with such a system is that you can only load a given circuitto certain limits. Accordingly, where everyone in the office has lightsand office equipment to plug in, one may have to limit the number ofpanels interconnected on a single electrical circuit to that numberwhich will provide for only two or three work stations. A single circuitincluding lighting which is considered a continuous load must by code bereduced 20% in allowable current carrying capacity. This further reducesthe single circuit system efficiency.

Also, electrical codes typically limit the number of receptacles one canplace on a single circuit. Typically, one must limit the number ofoutlet locations on the circuit to twelve. To avoid putting outletswhere they are not needed and to thereby maximize outlet location on asingle circuit, one again needs to very carefully plan his office systemin advance and order some of the panels without outlets included. If onechanges the system at a later date and wants an outlet in a panel whichhas previously been ordered without one, one either has to rebuild thepanel, order a new panel, or rearrange existing panels in some way.

Another drawback to existing hard wired panel systems lie in the panelpower connector which extends between adjacent panels and carriescurrent from one to the other. If a cable is used between adjacentpanels, the cable is readily visible and unsightly when one adjustsadjacent panels so as to be at an angle to one another rather than in astraight line. The cable is visible at the outside of the apex of theangle.

The only way heretofore conceived to avoid this problem is to employ apanel power connector which has surfaces which are decoratively coherentwith the base covers typically employed to cover wiring ways and whichincludes some sort of hinge between its two segments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, the problem of overloading a single circuitand of causing a simultaneous blackout of lighting and equipment (duetypically to an equipment overload) is obviated by providing a hardwired, free standing panel system in which both a lighting circuit and apower circuit are provided. First quick disconnect connector meanshaving a configuration not that of a conventional plug receptacle areconnected to the lighting circuit whereby lighting can be connectedthereto, second quick disconnect connector means having a configurationnot that of a conventional plug receptacle are connected to the powercircuit whereby electrical outlet or plug receptacles can be connectedthereto and third connector means are provided which are connected toboth the lighting and power circuits and which facilitate electricallyinterconnecting adjacent panels. Electrical interconnection is achievedby providing a panel power connector which can be joined at its ends tothe third connectors in adjacent panels.

The problem of trying to design the system to meet code limitations onthe number of outlet locations is obviated by providing conventionalelectrical receptacle units which include a conventional electricalreceptacle in a housing and quick disconnect means connected to theconventional electrical receptacle and projecting from the housing.Mating quick disconnect connector means are provided which are connectedto the power circuit in the panel whereby such conventional electricaloutlet units can be connectd to any of the panels in the system.

In another aspect of the invention, two different types of conventionalreceptacle units are provided, one of which is adapted for connection tosaid power circuit and the other of which is designed for connecting tosaid lighting circuit.

These and other objects, aspects and features of the invention will bemore fully understood and appreciated by reference to the writtenspecification and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the electrical components and relatedmounting components of a panel made in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two panels hingedly joined together withthe electrical components being exploded away from the bottom of one ofthem;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a panel made in accordance with thepresent invention and illustrating the versatility of the systemfacilitated by the employment of two separate circuits;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the end portions of twoadjacently joined panels taken along plane IV--IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the panel-to-panel power connector ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the panel showing the mannerin which power can be fed into the panel wiring system from the floor;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the panel with top power-in packageshowing the manner in which power can be fed into the system from theceiling;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of that portion of FIG. 7 designated bynumeral VIII;

FIG. 9 is that portion of FIG. 7 designated by numeral IX;

FIG. 10 is that portion of FIG. 7 designated by numeral X;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative conventional receptaclewhich like receptacle 40 is adapted exclusively for connecting to thepower circuit;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 12A is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of thereceptacle shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a conventional receptacle adaptedexclusively for connecting to the lighting circuit; and

FIG. 14 is a rear view thereof.

FIG. 14A is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of thereceptacle shown in FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment, the panels 1 employed in the panel systemof the present invention include wiring 10 extending between "J"connectors 20 within a wiring way 30 located at the base of the panel 1(FIGS. 1 and 2). The four wires 11 through 14 of wiring 10 define amulti-branch circuit, which in practical effect is two circuits, suchthat one circuit can be used for lighting and the other for power foroffice machinery. Each "J" connector 20 includes a set of quickdisconnect terminals 21 to allow one to connect lighting to the lightingcircuit, a second set of quick disconnect terminals 22 which allow oneto snap in a conventional receptacle unit 40, and a third and a fourthset of quick disconnect terminals 23 and 24, each of which iselectrically connected to both circuits to allow one to introduce powerinto the system, or to transfer power from panel to panel through apanel power connector 50. Wiring way 30 can be secured to panel feet 70at the base of the panel from either side of the panel and all of thisis then concealed from view by a base trim cover 60 which snaps intoposition at the base of panel 1.

Wiring 10 is comprised of conventional electrical wires 11 through 14.They comprise a multi-branch circuit wherein wire 11 comprises one hotwire, wire 12 comprises a common neutral wire, wire 13 comprises acommon ground and wire 14 comprises another hot wire. The potential dropbetween wires 11 and 14 would be 220 volts whereas the drop between wire11 and common neutral 12 would be 110 volts, and similarly the voltagedrop between wire 14 and common neutral 12 would be 110 volts. Wire 11is ultimately operably connected to its own circuit breaker and wire 14is operably connected to its own separate circuit breaker andaccordingly, one effectively has two separate circuits. Wire 13 is acommon safety ground for both circuits.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the electrical art, such anarrangement can be used in buildings having 220 volt service. Inbuildings having 110 volt service, one would have to substitute afive-wire arrangement (four-wire system plus ground) for the four-wirearrangement (three-wire system plus ground) shown and actually employtwo distinctly separate circuits as opposed to a multi-branch circuit.One could still employ the common ground 13.

Because wires 11 and 12 on the one hand and wires 14 and 12 on the otherfunction effectively as two different circuits, i.e., each on its ownseparate circuit breaker, these combinations will be referred to as twoseparate circuits just as though this were a five-wire arrangement asdistinguished from a four-wire multi-branch circuit arrangement.

Wires 11, 12 and 13 are designed to function as a lighting circuit witha safety ground whereas wires 12, 13 and 14 are designed to function asa power circuit with a safety ground. Outlet receptacles 40 are operablyconnected to the power circuit whereas lighting units are connected tothe lighting circuit. In this way, when an adding machine overloadcauses a circuit to break, the lights in the room do not go out.Further, it enables one to interconnect more panels for a larger numberof work stations when one could if all of the lighting and all of theoffice machinery were carried on a single circuit.

Clipped to ground wire 13 is a ground clip 15. One hooks this over theedge of wiring channel 30 to ground panel 1.

The wires 11 through 14 terminate at each end in a multi-position quickdisconnect connector 20. The basic structure of each connector 20 isconventional, comprising molded plastic halves with slots through whichstrips of metal extend. Each strip of metal is crimped to one of thewires 11 through 14 and includes selective branches for branching offinto particular terminals at particular positions on connector 20.

Projecting from one end of each connector 20 is a first set of threeterminals 21. The top terminal is connected by a metallic strip to hotwire 11, the middle to neutral wire 12 and the bottom to common ground13. This set of three terminals 21 is designed to facilitate connectionof lighting to the lighting circuit which is defined by wires 11, 12 and13.

Projecting laterally from only one side of "J" connector 20 is a secondset of terminals 22. The top terminal is a closed off post in thisembodiment, but is active in another embodiment discussed below. Thisserves no function in this embodiment of invention, and is included onconnector 20 solely to facilitate molding. However in the alternativeembodiment described below, this top terminal does become active and iswired with a connector as are the remaining terminals. The next terminaldown is connected by a metallic strip to common neutral 12, the middleto common ground 13 and the bottom to hot wire 14. Thus, the second setof terminals 22 are designed to facilitate attachment of duplexreceptacle units 40 to the power circuit defined by wires 12, 13 and 14.

A third set of terminals 23 projects laterally from one side of "J"connector 20 and a fourth set of terminals 24 project from the otherside. There are four terminals in each of the third and fourth set ofterminals 23 and 24. The top one is connected to hot wire 11, the secondis connected to common neutral 12, the third to common ground 13 and thefourth to hot wire 14. Either set of terminals 23 or 24 provides a placeto connect the quick disconnect terminal ends of panel power connector50, or a "power-in" unit.

The configuration of first set of terminals 21 is different from that ofsecond set of terminals 22 so that one cannot inadvertently connect thelighting to the power circuit or an outlet receptacle unit 40 to thelighting circuit. This would be extremely difficult in any event due tothe configuration and construction of the receptacle units 40 relativeto the arrangement of terminals on "J" connector 20.

Similarly, third set terminals 23 have an overall configuration which isdistinctively relative to the configuration of first set 21. The bottomthree terminals in third set 23 are identical to the three terminals insecond set 22, but the top terminal in third set 23 has a distinctiveconfiguration so that a receptacle unit 40 cannot be inadvertentlyinterconnected to the lighting circuit. The location of mountingbrackets 37 also prevent misalignment of receptacle unit 40.

The configuration of the fourth set terminals 24 is identical to theconfiguration of the third set terminals 23, except that the terminalcorresponding to the uniquely configurated top terminal of set 23 islocated on the bottom in set 24. Providing a unique terminal at the topand bottom of third and fourth sets 23 and 24 makes it impossible toplace panel power connector 50 on the system upside down, i.e., with itsskirt 56 pointing up rather than down as it should. Yet, because theconfiguration of third set 23 and fourth set 24 as a whole is identical,except inverted, a panel power connector 50 can be used to electricallyconnect adjacent panels from either side of the panels. Artisans wouldrefer to panel power connector as being "non-handed".

Each "J" connector 20 includes two pairs of integrally molded projectingdetents 25 on one side thereof and a third integrally molded projectingdetent 25 on the other side. These facilitate securance of "J"connectors 20 within wiring way 30. Each "J" connector 20 also includesa projecting connector flange 26 with an aperture 26a therethroughlocated such that when one attaches wiring way 30 to feet 70, theattaching bolts pass through the aperture 26a in connector flange 26 andserve to further secure "J" connectors 20 in place.

Wiring way 30 is formed of sheet metal and has a base wall 31, asidewall 32 and a spaced opposite sidewall 33. Wiring way 30 is verynarrow, just sufficiently wide to accommodate the relatively narrowwidth of "J" connectors 20 between sides 33 and 32. "J" connectors 20themselves are only slightly wider than the diameters of any one of thewires 11 through 14.

Indeed, wiring way 30 is sufficiently narrow relative to the width ofpanel 1 and sufficiently short in height that when it is in position atthe base of panel 1, there is room on at least one side to lay in casualwiring or communication cables and the like adjacent or beneath wiringway 30 with neither way 30 nor the casual wiring projecting beyond theplanes defined by the opposite side faces of plane 1.

Wiring way 30 includes a second set terminal slot 34 at the right end ofsidewall 32 and an identical second set terminal slot 32 at the rightend (as one views it) of sidewall 33. When one slides "J" connector 20into position between sidewalls 32 and 33, the second set terminals 22fit into and project through slot 34.

Similarly, there is a third set terminal slot 35 at the right end ofeach of the sidewalls 32 and 33 and a fourth set terminal slot 36directly opposite slot 35 at the left end of each of the sidewalls 32and 33. Because the sidewalls 32 and 33 are shorter near the end of thechannels these slots 35 and 36 are shallower. In any event, the thirdand fourth set terminals 23 and 24, respectively, fit into these slotswhen "J" connectors 20 are in place.

Walls 32 and 33 also include spaced detent receiving apertures 38 at theright end of each of them and another detent receiving aperture 38 nearthe left end of each of them. These detent receiving apertures 38receive the integrally molded detents 25 on "J" connectors 20 when "J"connectors 20 are properly slid into position in between walls 32 and33.

Once wiring 10 and "J" connectors 20 are positioned within wiring way30, one has a very compact wiring package which can be readily attachedto panel 1. Further, attachment can be accomplished from either side ofpanel 1. Such attachment is accomplished by the use of an elongated slot39a at the left end of each of sidewalls 32 and 33, a relatively smallerbut still elongated slot 39b at the right end and a threaded hole 39cadjacent elongated slot 39b. Elongated slot 39a is sufficiently longthat both slot 39b and threaded hole 39c can be projected through it.

Each of the panel feet 70 are formed of steel and includes a flange 72which projects inwardly towards the opposite foot and toward the end ofwiring way 30. Flange 72 includes an elongated pass through slot 73 andan adjacent threaded aperture 74. Flanges 72 are arranged so that onepositions way 30 within the base of panel 1 with enlarged slot 39a lyingagainst flange 72 and overlying slot 73 and aperture 74. One can thensecure way 30 in place from the side exposed in FIG. 1 by passing ascrew through slot 73 at the left end of the panel, through slot 39a andthreading it into aperture 39c. At the other end, one can pass a screwthrough slot 39b, on through larger slot 39a and thread it into hole 74in flange 72. If one went around the panel and faced the opposite side,one could perform the same operation and thus secure wiring way 30 fromthe opposite side from that viewed in FIG. 1 in the same way.

Welded at spaced points towards the right end of each sidewall 32 and 33are a pair of outwardly projecting brackets 37 which serve as mountingpoints for the receptacle units 40. Each bracket 37 includes a hole toreceive a screw.

Each receptacle unit 40 comprises a molded plastic housing 41 withinwhich a conventional plug receptacle plate 42 with conventionalreceptacle wiring is located. The internal wiring terminates in metalstrips located within the three quick disconnect terminals 44 whichproject from the rear of housing 41. To place a receptacle unit 40 on apanel, one simply joins quick disconnect terminals 44 to second setquick disconnect terminals 22 on "J" connector 20 and then passesconventional screws through holes 43 at either side of housing 41 andthreads the screws into the holes in receptacle mounting brackets 37.The term "conventional plug receptacle" as used herein, can be seen byreference to item 40 in FIG. 1 to refer to a standard, socket-typereceptacle as used to receive the two or three pronged plugs typicallyfound on typewriters, lamps, appliances and the like. These aresometimes referred to as "household" outlets. The term is used herein todistinguish outlets for receiving plug-in lighting and appliances fromthe connectors used to electrically couple wiring in the panelcircuitry. It is often said that they have a "15 amp" configuration.They are adapted to receive either a conventional 2 or 3 prong plugtherein.

Each panel power connector 50 includes a generally L-shaped end 51 ateach end thereof (FIGS. 1, 2 and 5). In essence, each end 51 comprises amolded plastic "L" connector with four quick disconnect terminals 52molded therein. The "L" connector ends 51 are joined by four wires 58athrough 58d which are molded into an elongated flexible molded polyvinylchloride body 54. Body 54 includes a generally U-shaped deviation 55therein which includes a base wall and spaced sidewalls. A skirt 56depends downwardly below the generally U-shaped deviation 55 and, inessence, is a continuation of the exterior surfaces thereof. Afrustopyramidal shaped flap 57 projects inwardly from the top of thebase of U-shaped deviation 55 into the opening between the spaced sidesthereof.

In operation, one secures panel power connector 50 to third setterminals 25 at the left end of one panel 1 and to the fourth set ofterminals 24 at the right end of the adjacent panel 1 with U-shapeddeviation 54 extending into the space between feet 70 of the twoadjacent panels (FIGS. 2 and 4). When one of the panels 1 is thenhingedly moved relative to the other, as indicated in phantom in FIG. 4,flexible U-shaped deviation 54 has sufficient yield that it canaccommodate the hinging movement. It allows the effective length ofpanel power connector 50 to lengthen or shorten depending on therelative angles of panels 1 relative to one another. As one does changethe angle between adjacent panels 1 from 180°, the end edges of theadjacent panels become exposed and one can see panel power connector 50.However, skirt 56 and flap 57 tend to minimize the visual impact byeliminating the appearance of unsightly gaps either at the top of orbelow panel power connector 50.

Quick disconnect terminals 52 at "L" connector ends 51 of panel powerconnector 50 have configurations such that they will mate with eitherthird set terminals 23 or fourth set terminals 24 on "J" connectors 20.In this way, power within both the lighting circuit and the powercircuit of one panel is transferred to the power and lighting circuitsin the next adjacent panel.

Once wiring way 30 and receptacle units 40, if desired, are in place atthe base of a panel 1, and once any casual or communication wiring 1desires located in the base is in place, the entire assembly can becovered by a conventional base wiring cover 60. Provision of suchremovable base trim covers on panels is known to those skilled in theart and the details thereof form no part of the present invention. It isimportant that base cover 60 include an outlet cutout 61 which allowsthe face of conventional receptacle 42 to be exposed when base cover 60is in place. It is preferred to provide a metal closure plate withinopening 61 which can readily be pushed out if base cover 60 is to beused on a unit with receptacle units 40 in place.

In addition to mounting flange 72, each panel foot 70 includes athreaded aperture in the base thereof to receive a threaded leveler 71to facilitate leveling the panel 1 (FIGS. 1 and 6). It also includesanother mounting flange 75 located on a side thereof opposite mountingflange 72. Mounting flange 75 facilitates mounting a base "power-in"unit 80 to the panel (FIG. 6). Base "power-in" unit 80 is shown inexploded form in FIG. 6. It includes a wiring cable 81 having four wires81a through 81d passing therethrough. Wire 81a is a hot wire for thelighting circuit, 81b is a common neutral, 81c is a common ground and81d is a hot wire for the power circuit.

Cable 81 extends into a housing 82 which is comprised of two joinedhalves 82a and 82b. The wires 81a through 81d terminate in a quickdisconnect "L" connector 84 which has four terminals with aconfiguration designed to mate with third set terminals 23 on a "J"connector 20. Thus, their configuration corresponds to the quickdisconnect terminals 52 on the right side of panel power connector 50 asviewed in FIG. 5. At one end of housing 82, there is a mounting flange85 with one hole therein and at the other end of housing 82 there is amounting flange 86 with two holes therein. The hole in mounting flange85 is designed to line up with the left end mounting bracket 37 which isnormally adapted to receive terminal unit 40. Clips 89 slip over thesemounting flanges 85 and 86. By passing a screw through the hole inflange 85 and clip 89 and threading it into left bracket 37, one hassecured one end of power-in unit 80 to panel 1.

The two holes in flange 86 line up with two threaded holes 76 inmounting flange 75 on foot 70. By passing screws therethrough (and onethrough the hole in clip 89) and threading them into the holes 76, onesecures the other end of power-in unit 80 to panel 1. This entireassembly can then be covered with base wiring cover 60 and cable 81passes out through the previously described aperture 61.

When base power-in unit 80 is used, second set terminals 22 areinaccessible. An optional terminal cap 90 snaps over terminals 22 forsafety purposes.

Power can also be fed into panel 1 from the top as is illustrated inFIG. 7. A hollow, generally rectangular in cross section utility pole100 is bolted to an upper corner of panel 1 as illustrated in FIG. 9.Utility pole 100 is divided into two segments by a divider wall 103(FIG. 9). The majority of the space within utility pole 100 comprises acommunication wiring way 101 which receives communication wiring 120.The smaller compartment comprises a power way 102 which carries fourwires 81a through 81d which enter utility pole 100 by way of cable 81and a small terminal housing 130 which is fastened to the top of pole100 (FIG. 8).

The wires 81a through 81d extend down through an appropriate wiring waypassage extending from top to bottom of panel 1 and terminate in an "L"connector 84 just like that used in base "power-in" assembly 80 (FIG.10). "L" unit 84 couples into quick disconnect terminals 23 as describedpreviously.

To facilitate handling communication wiring and power wiring at the topof panel 1, panel 1 includes a removable corner cap 111 (FIGS. 7 and 9).It is designed to match with the general trim 110 of panel 1.

FIG. 3 shows an example of how a panel 1 made in accordance with thesystem of the present invention might be used. A work surface 2 is hungon the panel at about the middle thereof and a cabinet 3 is hung onpanel 1 above work surface 2. An ambient light unit 4 is mounted on topof cabinet 3 and is intended to project light upwardly and reflect itoff the ceiling to provide ambient light for the room. A task light 5 ismounted beneath cabinet 3 and is designed to project light directlydownwardly onto work surface 2. Ambient light 4 includes wiring 4aextending therefrom to a quick disconnect 4b. Quick disconnect connector4b can then be coupled to another quick disconnect connector 6bpositioned on the end of a wire set 6 containing three wires which rundown the height of panel 1 within an internal wiring way. Wire 6terminates at the bottom at another quick disconnect connector 6c whichis designed to matingly engage with the first set quick disconnectterminals 21 of "J" connector 20. In this way, ambient light unit 4 iselectrically connected to the lighting circuit defined by wires 11, 12and 13.

In contrast, task lighting unit 5 is electrically powered by a quickdisconnect terminal 7a running a conventional cord 7 from task light 5down through a wire manager on panel 1 and out the bottom where it isplugged in by means of a conventional plug 7a into one of theconventional plug receptacles in receptacle unit 40. A typewriter orother office equipment could similarly be plugged into the other side ofreceptacle 40.

Task lighting 5 would not have to be plugged into the bottom due toanother unique aspect of the present invention. Located at the left endof ambient light unit 4 is a quick disconnect coupling 4c and located atthe left end of task lighting unit 5 is another quick disconnectcoupling 5c. These two quick disconnect couplings can be interconnectedby means of wiring with mating quick disconnect cord set 8 at each endthereof for coupling into connectors 4c and 5c. In this way, the tasklighting unit 5 can either be connected to the lighting circuit definedby wires 11, 12 and 13 or it can be plugged into the power circuitdefined by wires 12, 13 and 14. Naturally, one would have to decide inadvance which type of task lighting unit 5 he wanted and order it eitherwith or without a conventional cord and plug 7 and 7a. This hookup isalso available at the other end of lighting units 4 and 5 in case powercord 6 is brought up through the left end of panel 1.

As a result of the present invention, one can interconnect a greaternumber of panels on a given power and lighting circuit than he could doif there were only one circuit extending from panel to panel. Further,one can locate power outlet receptacles wherever they are needed. Hedoes not need to worry about ordering his panels in advance with orwithout plug receptacles.

The system can be readily connected to the power source either fromabove as shown in FIG. 7 or from the ground as illustrated in FIG. 6.Because of the thin, compact nature of the wiring way 30, there isplenty of room for communication wiring or other casual wiring withinthe base area of panel 1.

In an alternative embodiment of this invention, two separate plugreceptacles 140 and 240 are provided which are similar to plugreceptacle 40 (FIGS. 11 through 14). The primary difference is that bothreceptacles 140 and 240 are provided with a set of four terminallocations 144 and 244 respectively, as distinguished from the set ofthree terminal locations 44 provided in receptacle 40 (FIG. 1). Also,the top terminal location in terminal set 22 of "J" connector 20 isactive and includes an electrical contact connected to wire 11 of wiringset 10. In conventional outlet 140, the top terminal location 144a isnot provided with an electrical contact while the three lower terminallocations, 144b through 144d are provided with contacts. Thus, whenconventional plug receptacle 140 is connected to terminal set 22, it iseffectively wired only to the power circuit defined by neutral wire 12,ground wire 13 and hot wire 14. In this respect, plug receptacle 140 isidentical in function to plug receptacle 40 described hereinabove.

In contrast, the top terminal location 244a of terminal set 244 inconventional receptacle 240 is provided with a contact. So are terminallocations 244b and 244c located successively below terminal location244a. However, the bottom terminal location 244d is not provided with acontact. Thus, when conventional plug receptacle 240 is plugged ontoterminal set 22, it is effectively connected to hot line 11, neutralline 12 and ground 13. In essence, then, conventional plug receptacle240 is connected to what has been referred to hereinabove as thelighting circuit. Conventional receptacle 240 thus enables one to joinconventional plug receptacles to the lighting circuit while receptacle140 and receptacle 40 allow one to connect a conventional plugreceptacle to the power circuit.

Conventional receptacles 140 and 240 are molded in the same identicalmold. They become functionally different because contacts are providedin different ones of their terminal locations.

The terminal locations 144 and 244 are shaped to mate with terminals 22.Further, the top terminal of set 22 and correspondingly, mating topterminals 144a and 244a, have unique configurations vis-a-vis the threelower terminal locations. It would be impossible to inadvertentlyoverload the power circuits by adding conventional receptacle 240 to thesystem since conventional receptacle 240 will only plug into thelighting circuit and since it cannot be connected to terminal set 22 ifaccidently inverted. Similarly, it is impossible to overload thelighting circuit with conventional receptacles since conventionalreceptacle 140 can only be connected to the power circuit and cannot beconnected if accidentally inverted. As will be noted by comparing FIGS.11 and 13, each of the conventional receptacles is provided with anindication that it is either for "line 1", in this case the powercircuit, or for "line 2", in this case the lighting circuit.

Of course, it is understood that the above is merely a preferredembodiment of the invention and that various changes and alterations canbe made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of theinvention. For example, additional circuits could be added.

The embodiments of the present invention in which an exclusive propertyor privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. In a panel systemcomprised of at least two free standing movable room divider panelshaving enclosed electrical wiring, the improvement comprising: each ofsaid panels having opposite end edges with first wiring means defining afirst circuit extending generally from one end edge of said panel to theother end edge of said panel; second wiring means defining a secondcircuit extending generally from one end edge of said panel to the otherend edge of said panel; at least one connector mounted in each of saidpanels, and including first and second sets of quick disconnectterminals; said first set of quick disconnect terminals having aconfiguration which is not that of a conventional plug receptacle, andbeing electrically connected to both said first and second wiring meansto facilitate electrical connection of both the first and secondcircuits in one panel to those in another panel; panel power connectormeans joining said first set of quick disconnector terminals on onepanel to said first set of quick disconnector terminals on the otherpanel; said second set of quick disconnect terminals having aconfiguration which is not that of a conventional plug receptacle, andhaving a plurality of terminals arranged into first and second groups;said first group being electrically connected to said first wiringmeans, and said second group being electrically connected to said secondwiring means; a first conventional plug receptacle mounted on at leastone of said panels, and having a set of quick disconnect terminalsshaped for physical connection with said second set of quick disconnectterminals, and electrically mating only with said second group ofterminals, whereby said first conventional plug receptacle can beelectrically connected only to said second wiring means; a secondconventional plug receptacle having a set of quick disconnect terminalsshaped for physical connection with said second set of quick disconnectterminals, and electrically mating only with said first group ofterminals, whereby said second conventional receptacle can be connectedonly to said first wiring means, yet whereby both said first and secondconventional receptacles physically connect to said second set of quickdisconnect terminals.
 2. The panel system of claim 1 in which said firstwiring means comprises a first hot wire, a neutral wire and a groundwire, and said second wiring means comprises a second hot wire and saidneutral wire and said ground wire; said neutral and said ground wiresbeing common to both said first and second wiring means; said second setof quick disconnect terminals comprising four separate terminalsincluding a first terminal connected to said first hot wire, a secondterminal connected to said neutral wire, a third terminal connected tosaid ground wire, and a fourth terminal connected to said second hotwire, all of said terminals including electrical contacts therein; eachof said first and said second conventional receptacles including fourterminals thereon, comprising first, second, third and fourth terminalsadapted for mating engagement with said first, second, third and fourthterminals respectively of said second set of quick disconnect terminals;said second, third and fourth terminals of said first conventionalreceptacle including electrical contacts therein, and said firstterminal thereof being free of electrical contact means, whereby saidfirst conventional receptacle will electrically connect only with saidsecond wiring means; and said first, second and third terminals of saidsecond conventional receptacle including electrical contacts therein,with said fourth terminal being free of electrical contact means,whereby said second conventional receptacle will connect electricallyonly with said first wiring means.
 3. The panel system of claim 2 inwhich one of said four terminals of said second set of quick disconnectterminals and each corresponding terminal of said first and secondconventional receptacles has a unique configuration with respect to therest of said terminals, whereby one cannot inadvertently connect saidfirst and second conventional receptacles to said second set of quickdisconnect terminals in inverted orientation or in verticalmisalignment.
 4. The panel system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein:saidconnector including a third set of quick disconnect terminals having aconfiguration which is not that of a conventional plug receptacle, andis electrically connected with said first wiring means for connectinglighting to said first circuit; lighting means mounted on at least oneof said panels, and including connector means matingly joined to saidthird set of quick disconnect terminals, whereby current is delivered tosaid lighting means through said first wiring means.
 5. The panel systemof claim 4, wherein:the configuration of said third set of quickdisconnect terminals is different from the configuration of said secondset of quick disconnect terminals, whereby said lighting means cannot beinadvertently connected with said second wiring means and said firstconventional plug receptacle cannot be inadvertently connected with saidfirst wiring means at said third set of quick disconnect terminals.